Steam Oven Thai steamed pumpkin cake
Khanom Fak Thong (Steam Oven Steamed Pumpkin Cake)
Khanom Fak Thong, that delightful Thai steamed pumpkin cake! It's a wonderfully moist and subtly sweet treat. Here's a recipe tailored for a steam oven, along with ingredients, instructions, and some helpful tips:
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 500g (about 2 cups) peeled and cubed pumpkin (Kent or Kabocha varieties work well)
- 1 cup (240ml) thick coconut milk
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- ½ cup (70g) rice flour
- ¼ cup (30g) tapioca starch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Topping (Optional):
- ¼ cup thick coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Roasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
Equipment:
- Steam oven
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Steamer-safe dish or individual ramekins
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Steam the cubed pumpkin in your steam oven at 100°C (212°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until it's very tender and easily mashed with a fork.
- Once cooked, mash the pumpkin thoroughly with a fork or blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed pumpkin, coconut milk, sugar, rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until you have a smooth and lump-free batter. Ensure there are no dry pockets of flour or starch.
3. Prepare for Steaming:
- Lightly grease your steamer-safe dish or individual ramekins with a little oil. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
- Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared dish or divide it evenly among the ramekins.
4. Steam the Cake:
- Preheat your steam oven to 100°C (212°F).
- Place the dish or ramekins into the steam oven.
- Steam for 25-35 minutes for a large dish, or 20-25 minutes for individual ramekins, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be set and slightly firm to the touch.
5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- While the cake is steaming, prepare the topping if desired. In a small saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, rice flour, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly to a pourable consistency. Do not let it boil.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the cake is cooked, carefully remove it from the steam oven.
- If using the topping, drizzle it evenly over the warm cake.
- Garnish with roasted white sesame seeds.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. Khanom Fak Thong can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Success:
- Pumpkin Variety: Choose a sweet and dense pumpkin variety like Kent (Japanese pumpkin) or Kabocha for the best flavor and texture.
- Coconut Milk Quality: Use good quality, full-fat coconut milk for a richer and more flavorful cake.
- Smooth Batter: Ensure your batter is completely smooth to avoid any grainy texture in the final cake.
- Steaming Time: Steaming time may vary slightly depending on your steam oven and the size of your dish or ramekins. Keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Don't Over-Steam: Over-steaming can result in a rubbery texture. The cake is done when it's set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving as it will be easier to handle and the flavors will meld together.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients to the batter for extra flavor, such as a pandan extract for a floral note or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Storage: Leftover Khanom Fak Thong can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can gently steam it again to warm it up before serving.
Enjoy making and savouring this delicious Thai steamed pumpkin cake in your steam oven! It's a delightful blend of sweet pumpkin and creamy coconut milk.
